Mobile cargo storage unit

ABSTRACT

A collapsible container of durable construction including an integral pallet base panel, a pair of end panels, a pair of side panels and a cover panel. The panels are interlocked together in such a manner that the side and rear panels can be removed only after the cover panel and one of the end panels have been removed. When the cover panel is in position the panels are precluded from vertical or lateral displacement.

United States Patent .1191

LutZ

1 51 Apr. 17, 1973 1 MOBILE CARGO STORAGE UNIT [75] Inventor: David E. Lutz, Carlisle, Pa.

[73] Assignee: Minicube System, Inc., Carlisle, Pa.

[22] Filed: May 7, 1971 21] Appl. No.: 141,199

[52] US. Cl ..217/12 R, 217/65, 220/4 F [51] Int. Cl. ..B65d 9/12 [58] Field of Search. .L....2l7/12 R, 65;

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,340,248 5/1920 Petit ..220/4 R 2,664,258 12/1953 Lanier ..2l7/l2 R 2,965,276 12/1960 Foster .217/12 R X 3,143,236 8/1964 ....,2l7/l2 R 3,266,656 8/1966 Kridle ..220/4 R 3,318,474 5/1967 McDonald ..2l7/12 R 3,476,279 1/1969 Wharton ..217/12 R 3,502,237 3/1970 Verhein et al. ..220/4 R 3,587,900 6/1971 Millar et al. ..217/12 R FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 500,21 1 1 H1954 Italy ..220/4 R Primary ExaminerAllen N. Knowles Attorney-John J. Byme [57] 7 ABSTRACT A collapsible container of durable construction including an integral pallet base panel, a pair of end panels, a pair of side panels and a cover panel. The panels are interlocked together in such a manner that the side and rear panels can be removed only after the cover panel and one of the end panels have been removed. When the cover panel is in position the panels are precluded from vertical or lateral displacement.

4 Claims, 18 Drawing Figures PATENTEU APR 1 H973 SHEET 1 BF 6 INVENTOR DAV/0 E. LUTZ PATENTEDAPR] 71973 SHEET 2 [IF 6 lNVE/VTOR DAV/D E LUTZ %9,

A OR/VEY v PATENTEDAPR 1 W5 3.727. 785

SHEET 5 BF 6 INVENTOR DAV/D E. LUTZ BY Q I A ORNE) PATENTEU 1 7 I975 SHEET 6 [1F 6 INVENTOl-P DAV/D E. LUTZ 30 v BWg. W

ATTORNEY MOBILE CARGO STORAGE UNIT This invention relates to a cargo container and more particularly to a collapsible unit for use in unitized shipping, storage and handling systems. Additionally, this invention is directed toward protective storage of goods contained therein, and is designed for mobility so that is can be easily handled by automated equipment such as forklift trucks, pallet trucks, wheeled dollies, or the like.

Unitized storage and shipping is becoming more acceptable as a highly desirable means for handling goods. Simply stated, individual items or goods are stored in the container at the point of origin, the unit is then sealed and is transported to its destination without need for rehandling of the individual items enroute. The reduced need for handling individual items results in a savings in manpower and a reduction in the number of claims filed for loss through damage or theft. Standardized units also lend themselves to mechanical handling which further reduces handling costs and damage to goods. Of course, containerized storage and shipping is not without its own added expenses such as the cost of providing strong and durable containers. It is quite obvious that if containers could not be used for an extended period of time over and over again, the cost of such a system would be prohibitive.

In addition to providing strong, durable containers, sealable, and pilfer resistant, it is also desirable to provide containers which are versatile with respect to the loading and unloading thereof. The container is not always positioned such that access thereto can be gained through a single predetermined opening. Hence, it is desirable to provide a container wherein more than one side can be removed to permit access to the interior of the container from different directions.

Another advantage to the storage of goods in a sealed unit for shipping is a drastic reduction in theft. The loss of small, easily-hidden packages containing high-value merchandise is quite prevalent. With the use of locked and sealed containers such loss and pilferage is effectively discouraged. Further, the exact contents of this container are unknown to a potential thief.

The advantages of collapsible containers are obvious. Oftentimes, the containers have to be returned empty back to their point of origin; and it is, of course, more economical to ship the containers back as small compact bundles than as large, empty, space-consuming objects.

Collapsible containers are, of course, known to the prior art. Generally, speaking, however, these containers are held together in rather loose fashion whenin the assembled condition; or, in the alternative, are very sturdy in the assembled condition, but, accordingly, are quite difficult to disassemble and/or are extremely heavy. An example of the first situation is the type wherein the side walls, though interlocked against lateral movement, are free to move vertically until secured by circumscribing flexible straps. If the straps break during the course of handling, not an unforeseeable occurrence, especially when using forklifts, the container is likely to come apart. ln the second situation, the side walls are generally bolted together. While this type container is relatively sturdy when in the assembled condition, it is laborious and time-consuming task to assemble and disassemble the container. This latter type unit usually has pins, bolts and other miscellaneous hardware to hold it together. These hardware items tend to become lost which makes the unit temporarily unusable.

It is an objective of this invention to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art by providing a container which is quite sturdy in the assembled condition, is relatively light, but which can be readily disassembled. It can be sealed, is opaque and is locked in the assembled condition without the need for loose hardware.

It is a further objective of this invention to provide a storage and shipping unit for goods which includes a base, a cover panel, two side panels, and end panels which are interconnected without separate hardware and which can be easily locked in assembled condition.

It is another objective of this invention to provide a container wherein the panels thereof are so interconnected that access can be gained to the interior of the container through either of the end or side walls thereof.

The container of this invention is generally rectangular and comprises a base panel, side panels, end panels and a two-piece cover panel. A vertically upstanding rim extends around the perimeter of the generally rectangular base and defines four corner areas. The lower edge portions of the side panels and front and rear panels are confined within said rim, with each of said panels being substantially co-extensive with the respective side edge of the base panel. Locking flanges are affixed to the upper edge of the rim at the corners thereof and extend inwardly of the rim and parallel to the base. The end panels each comprise a body portion.

and vertically extending metal angles attached by one leg to each vertical side edge thereof. A pair of vertically extending grooves are defined in each of the end panels by the edges of the body portions and the outer or free legs of the metal angles. The grooves receive the vertical side edges of the respective side panels when the container is assembled. Each of the side panels have locking slots extending inwardly a short distance from the side edges and are spaced vertically a distance from the bottom edge corresponding to the vertical spacing of the locking flanges from the surface of the base panel. The locking slots receive the locking flanges when the side panels are assembled on the base panel. Likewise, the metal angles which define the side edges of the end panels have slots therein for receiving the locking flanges. The free leg portion of each metal angle on the end panels is terminated short of the bottom edge thereof by a distance substantially corresponding to the height of the upstanding bottom rim to facilitate engagement of the locking flanges with the locking slots of the end panels. The cover of the container is substantially similar in size to the base and is in two sections of equal size. Each section includes a metal angle extending around the perimeter thereof to define a downwardly extending rim. Locking flanges are positioned in two corners of the downwardly extending rim in the manner set forth for the rim on the bottom panel. Likewise slots are provided in the upper edge portions of each of the end panels and the side panels to receive the locking flanges of the cover panel.

These and other objects of the invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the following detailed description when viewed in light of the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the container of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the bottom panel;

FIG. 3 is a cross section view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2; 7

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary view in perspective of a corner area of the bottom panel and showing a modified form of the locking flange;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the underside of one section of the cover panel;

F IG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 66 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a side view in elevation taken from the left of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the cover panel section shown in FIG. 5, taken from the underside thereof;

FIG. 9 is a view in elevation of a side panel of the container of this invention;

FIG. 10 is a view in elevation of the inner side of one of the end panels of the container of this invention;

FIG. 11 is a side view in elevation taken from the right of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a plan view of the panel of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an end panel being placed in position on the base panel;

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the interlocking cooperating between the lower edge of an end panel and the base panel;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the container of this invention in partially assembled condition;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 16- 16 of FlG. l5;

FIG. 17 is a view in elevation showing the other end panel being placed in position; and

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the assembled container of this invention.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like numerals indicate like parts, the numeral 10 generally indicates the container of this invention. The container is of rectangular configuration; and, as best seen in FIG. 1, includes end panels 12 and 18;-side panels 14 and 16; a base panel 20 and a cover panel generally indicated by the numeral'22. The cover panel is comprised of two panel sections 22a and 22b. The base panel is of heavy construction such-as wood planking or relatively thick plywood while the front and rear panels are preferably of a lighter material such as relatively thin plywood, or in the alternative, a thin plastic or light metal of the type commercially available for use in constructing shipping containers.

The. base panel 20 is provided with a continuous upstanding rim 26 extending around the perimeter thereof. The rim is provided 'by the free legs of metal angle sections 24 which are affixed to each side edge of the bottom panel. The angles 24 are fixed to the base panel 20 along one leg thereof by suitable fastening means 32 such as rivets, threaded fasteners or the like. The angles are preferably of aluminum or other lightweight metal for weight conservation purposes. The lower edge portions of the end and side panels are received within the confines of the upstanding rim 24 in a manner to be described more fully hereinafter, and are thereby prevented from moving laterally outwardly.

An inwardly extending, locking lange 28 is provided in each corner of the base panel 20 and is affixed or otherwise positioned on the upper edge of the rim 26 and-extends inwardly thereof parallel to the surface of the base panel. In a preferred embodiment, the flange is of rectangular configuration and the major length thereof is transverse to the side panel. A modified form of the flange is indicated by the numeral 28a in FIG. 4 and is of right-angular configuration. The locking flange 28 is made from the .material of substantially the same weight as the angles 24, and can be formed by turning over the upper edge of a leg of the angle 30 as best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4. The angle 30 also serves as a leg member whereby the base panel is elevated from the ground to permit the insertion of the forks of a forklift truck. It is, of course, to be understood that the flanges 28 may be formed separately and welded or otherwise attached to the upper edge of the rim 26 in lieu of being an integral part ofa leg member. The particular configuration of the locking flanges 28 can be width such that they are snugly received within the confines of the upstanding rim 26 on the base panel 20. The side panels are provided'with locking slots 34 extending a short distance inwardly of the vertical side edges of the lower portion thereof. These slots are so spaced from the bottom edge of the panel as to receive the locking flange 28 when assembled. The upper portion of the side panels are provided with similar locking slots 36 and receive similar locking flanges on thecover panels as will be further described hereinafter. Reinforcing and protecting metal plates or the like, 34' and 36 overlie each corner section of the side panels in the area surrounding the locking slots.

The end panels 12 and 18 include metal angles 38 and 40 and 42 and 44 respectively. These angles are of aluminum or other lightweight metals and are bolted,

riveted or otherwise attached along one leg thereof to v the vertical side edge portions of the body portions 35 and 37 of the end panels 12 and 18 respectively. The overall width of each of the. end panels including the metal angles is coextensive with. the length of the respective mating side edge and rim of the base panel. The body portions 35 and 37 of the end panels are somewhat narrower than the mating side edges of the base panel by a distance which is substantially equal to twice the thickness of a side wall such that vertically extending grooves 46 and 48 are provided in the end panels 12 and 18 respectively, between the vertical side edges of the body portions 35 and 37 andthe outer legs of the metal angles. These grooves receive the vertical side edges of the respective side panels when the panels are assembled. The end panel 18 includes slots '50 in the lower portions of the angles 42 and 44 for engagement with the locking flanges 28. Likewise, the upper portions of the angles are provided with slots 52 for receiving similar locking flanges on the cover panel 22. The end panel 12 is provided with locking slots 54 and 56 in the lower and upper portions respectively of angles 38 and 40. It is to be noted that in both end panels l2 andl8, the angles are notched at 58. The notches are necessary to allow the end panels to be inserted within the rim 26 for engagement with the locking flange 28 after the side panels are in position.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-8, the cover panel sections 22a and 22b are identical and the total area covered by both is equal to the area of the bottom panel 20. Since both sections are identical only one, 22a, will be described in detail. Section 22a comprises a downwardly extending rim 66 comprising angle sections 64 which are attached to each of the edge portions of the panel section 22a. Locking flange 68 are provided in two corners, hereinafter referred to as the outer comers, of the panel section 22a and extend horizontally and inwardly of the rim 66. As'with the locking flanges 28, the flanges 68 may be formed by turning in an edge on a separate angle iron such as that indicated by the numeral 70, which also serves as a corner brace. In the alternative, the flange 68 can be formed ofa separate element, .welded or otherwise attached to the free edge of the rim 66.

Guides 80 are positioned on the underside of each cover section and comprises an L-shaped bracket having a depending free leg 82. The other leg is affixed to the cover section. The free leg 82 with the inner surface of the rim section 64 defines a channel 84 which receives the upper edge of a side panel. The leg 82 prevents inward deflection of the upper end portion of the side panel when the cover is in position.

Referring now to FIG. 13, the end panel 28 is placed in position by first resting the lower edge thereof on the bottom panel 20 and moving it toward one of the side edges of the bottom panel until the locking flanges 28 are received in the locking slots 50 as seen in FIG. 15; Side panels 14 and 16 are placed in position by first inserting one vertical side edge in the respective groove 48 in the end panel 18 and then swinging the other edge outward into abutment with the upstanding rim 24. The locking flanges 28 will be received in the locking slots 34 in both side edges of each of the side panels. The end panel 12 is then placed in position in the manner indicated in FIG. 17. The panel is held in the tilted position and the lower edge portion thereof is inserted within the confines of the upstanding rim 24 as permitted by the notches 58. Thepanel is then pushed forward until the side edges of the side wallsare received in the grooves 46. In this position, the locking slots 54 of the front panel will be in engagement with the locking flanges 28 in the respective corners.

No particular sequence must be followed in placing the side panels and the end panels in position on the base panel, though the two side. panels cannot be placed in position if both the end panels are already in position. However, if only one end panel is in position, then the two side panels can be set in place followed by the other end panel. In disassembling, assuming that the cover has been removed, one of the end panels must first be removed beforethe remaining panels can be removed.

The cover section 22a is then placed in position by resting it on the upper edge of the end panel 12 and then pushing it forward until the locking flanges 68 are seated in locking slots 36 in the upper portions of the side panels 14 and 16. The cover section will drop down into the horizontal position. In this regard, a trapezoidal slot 72 is cut into the upper edge of each side panel intermediate its length to receive the transversely extending portion of the downwardly extending rim 66. The section 22b is placed imposition in substantially the same manner. The two cover sections 22a and 22b are locked in position by saddle plates on each of the container. The loops 76 are attached to the cover sections 22a and 22b and the hasp is pivotally attached to the side wall of the containers.

It can be seen that the cover panel cannot now be removed unless the hasp is broken or otherwise unlocked because of the interenga'gement of the locking flanges 68 with the locking slots in the side and end panels. Each of the side panels and the front and rear panels are precluded from moving vertically relative to the base by means of the locking flanges 28. Further, because of the interengagement of the vertical side edges of the side panels 14 and 16 with the grooves 46 and 48 in the end walls 12 and 18 respectfully, each of g the panels are precluded from being displaced laterally inwardly from the rim 26 and out of engagement with the locking flanges 28.

In a general manner, while there has been disclosed effective and efficient embodiments of the invention, it

should be well understood that the invention is not limited to such embodiments as there might be changes made in the arrangement, disposition, and form of the parts without departing from the principle of the present invention as comprehended within the scope of the accompanying claims. 1

I claim:

1. A collapsible container comprising a base, a cover panel, two side panels and end panels connecting said side panels to form a generally rectangular container, said base having a first continuous upstanding rim extending along the sides thereof and defining first corner areas, said cover having a second continuous downwardly extending rim along the sides thereof and defining second corner areas, the lower and upper edges of each of the side panels and end panels being snuggly received within the confines of said first and second rims when in assembled condition, first locking flanges attachedto and extending inwardly of said first rim at said first comer areas thereof, second locking flanges attached to and extending inwardly of said second rim at said second comer areas, and, locking slots in the side edge portions of each of said side and end panels for interlocking interengagement with said first and second locking flanges when said container is in the assembled condition.

2. A collapsible container as defined in claim 1 and wherein each of said end panels includes a rectangular planar body portion and a pair of elongated angle irons attached by one leg thereof to thevertical side edges of each of said body portions, the other leg of each of said angle irons being spaced from the vertical side edges of said body portions to define grooves for the reception of the vertical side edges of said side panels.

3. A collapsible container as defined in claim 1 wherein each of said first and second locking flanges is a horizontally disposed planar member positioned on the edges of said first and second rims at each of said comer areas extends inwardly parallel to said base panel.

4. The container of claim 1 wherein said cover panel is comprised of first and second identical cover panel sections which abut along a line parallel to said end panels and intermediate the distance therebetween, and including latch means for latching together said cover panelsecfions and said side panels adjacent said line of abutment. 

1. A collapsible container comprising a base, a cover panel, two side panels and end panels connecting said side panels to form a generally rectangular container, said base having a first continuous upstanding rim extending along the sides thereof and defining first corner areas, said cover having a second continuous downwardly extending rim along the sides thereof and defining second corner areas, the lower and upper edges of each of the side panels and end panels being snuggly received within the confines of said first and second rims when in assembled condition, first locking flanges attached to and extending inwardly of said first rim at said first corner areas thereof, second locking flanges attached to and extending inwardly of said second rim at said second corner areas, and, locking slots in the side edge portions of each of said side and end panels for interlocking interengagement with said first and second locking flanges when said container is in the assembled condition.
 2. A collapsible container as defined in claim 1 and wherein each of said end panels includes a rectangular planar body portion and a pair of elongated angle irons attached by one leg thereof to the vertical side edges of each of said body portions, the other leg of each of said angle irons being spaced from the vertical side edges of said body portions to define grooves for the reception of the vertical side edges of said side panels.
 3. A collapsible container as defined in claim 1 wherein each of said first and second locking flanges is a horizontally disposed planar member positioned on the edges of said first and second rims at each of said corner areas extends inwardly parallel to said base panel.
 4. The container of claim 1 wherein said cover panel is comprised of first and second identical cover panel sections which abut along a line parallel to said end panels and intermediate the distance therebetween, and including latch means for latching together said cover panel sections and said side panels adjacent said line of abutment. 